Margecany

Margecany combines railway history, trails along the Ružín Reservoir and vibrant regional culture. The Margeciansky Tunnel is particularly characteristic: it was built in 1872 as part of the construction of the single-track Košice–Bohumín railway and was entered into the Central Register of Monuments of the Slovak Republic as a technical monument on 22 March 1985. The tunnel therefore serves as a historical reference point for trails leading from the railway station and along the reservoir.

Tunnel and Trails along the Ružín Reservoir

The Margeciansky Tunnel is accessible by car, bicycle and on foot. For an active exploration, the excursion “Z Margecian cez tunel popri Ružíne” is a good option; the Margecany railway station is a suitable starting point. The associated gravel trail runs directly above the Ružín Reservoir and follows its bays. As a result, the route focuses not only on the historic structure but also on the changing shoreline. Here, tunnel history and the landscape can be experienced together along the same route.

Another option follows the northern shore of the Ružín Reservoir from Margecany via Počkaj Beach and Rolova Huta to the old Margeciansky Tunnel. The paved trail differs from the gravel trail in its surface and is equipped with wooden sculptures and educational panels; it is also designed as a Fairy-Tale Trail. The two trails therefore differ in their surfaces as well as in their routes and accompanying features. A boat and pedal boat rental service is available at Počkaj Beach. The reservoir is also used for recreational purposes. In Fajnot Park, benches, a chess table and wooden sculptures add to the local recreational facilities.

Culture between Church, Crafts and Festivals

The cultural side of Margecany includes the Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch. It was renovated in the pseudo-Gothic style at the beginning of the 20th century, is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose. Another expression of regional culture is represented by the folklore ensemble Folklórny súbor Jadlovec. It was founded in 1976 as a women’s singing group and was soon expanded to include music and dance sections.

Since 2011, FSk Jadlovec has organized the Margecianske fajnoty event together with the municipality of Margecany. Invited groups prepare food in front of visitors and offer it for sale. This gives the festival a culinary dimension alongside music and dance. Rolova Huta, too, has an older, clearly documented history: the settlement of the village by German settlers began in 1597 for the purpose of smelting copper ores.

Getting There and Further Orientation

Margecany is located on railway line No. 180, which connects Košice, Žilina and Bratislava. For orientation on site, there is therefore a rail connection, the railway station as the starting point for the tunnel excursion, and several trails with different features along the Ružín Reservoir.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Kluknava, Gelnica and Nalepkovo.

For the overview of the wider area: Gelnica District.